Team 18 closed out the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship with a challenging but determined performance in the final race of the season at the iconic VAILO Adelaide 500.

TRADIE Beer Racing’s David Reynolds delivered a gritty 11th place finish after a tough qualifying session placed him 12th on the grid. Meanwhile, DEWALT Racing’s Mark Winterbottom, in his final full-time Supercars race, battled through adversity to finish 20th in a courageous farewell drive.

Qualifying proved pivotal, with both Reynolds and Winterbottom caught out by a late red flag triggered by an incident at Turn 8. Reynolds started 12th, while Winterbottom, despite showcasing promising pace, was forced to line up 16th.

In the race, Reynolds endured one of his most physically demanding drives of the season. Despite strong early potential, his race strategy was hindered by rapid tyre degradation on a changing track surface, resulting in a hard-fought climb to 11th.

Winterbottom’s final full-time outing was marked by determination and class, even as a 15-second penalty for contact with fellow retiree Tim Slade added an extra challenge. Despite the setback, he crossed the line in 20th, completing his illustrious 21-year career with typical grit and professionalism.

Reflecting on the season, Team 18 remains focused on the road ahead. With the introduction of new tyres for 2025, the team is already preparing to refine its setups and come back stronger for the opening round at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 21-23.

The Adelaide weekend also marked the end of an era as Winterbottom transitioned from full-time competition. Across two decades, “Frosty” etched his name in Supercars history with a championship title, Bathurst 1000 victory, and countless memorable moments.

Thank you to all the fans, sponsors, and partners who have supported Team 18 through the 2024 season. Here’s to an exciting 2025!

RESULTS & QUOTES

David Reynolds, driver #20 TRADIE Beer Racing Team 18 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Qualifying: 12th
Race 24: 11th

“We had really high hopes coming into Sunday because we knew we had a fast car here. We qualified 12th, which is outside of what we expected. On Friday I would’ve probably made the top ten with one hand on the wheel, that’s how fast our car was, but on Sunday it wasn’t as quick.

“The track rained overnight, which made a different grip level for us and it wasn’t matched to the track.

“In the race, started 12th, didn’t get the best start, dropped back to 14th. And then I actually felt relatively racey, made my way through to 12th and then I was hanging on to Percat, who finished six, but my tyre life just wasn’t there today. I ended up getting spat out the back and we ended up finishing 11th.

“I’ve never worked so hard in my life to make up one spot on the grid. It was torture out there today, even though it was a much easier race than it was on Saturday. The pace is really hot, the cars are hard to drive, they’re moving around all the time, but that’s all she wrote.

“Hopefully we can have a better year next year, and we’ll galvanize the team, come up with some beautiful set up ideas, and there’s a new tyre coming next year which is going to change everyone’s perception on set up, and hopefully we’re on the front foot for that.”

Mark Winterbottom, driver #18 DEWALT Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Qualifying: 20th
Race 24: 16th

“We’re finished here at Adelaide. Tough weekend. I think qualifying pace was really strong. I just didn’t get to show it with red flags and crashes and all that sort of stuff. I’m gutted because I think I would have made the shootout comfortably once if not twice.

“Race pace wasn’t where it needed to be. But all in all that’s it, that’s it for me, that’s it for me at Team 18, and it’s all over.

“I really appreciate everyone supporting me and for those who come across and followed and come to the dark side or whatever it was. I really thank everyone. We’ll go into Christmas now, reflect on the career and and look back at all the highlights I’ve had over my 21 year journey.

“Thank you everyone who’s supported me. Thank you all the sponsors as well and everyone that whether it was my old gear here, new gear, whatever it was at Adelaide. I felt lots of love and that was really nice.

“I’ll be a co driver next year, so you will see me next year. At the moment, we just sign out from Team 18 and thank you everyone for all your support.”